Our Houston Cardiologist Dr. Annie explains clearly: A heart attack occurs when an artery that caries oxygen-rich blood to the muscle of the heart (myocardium) gets to be blocked. The ensuing absence of oxygen reasons tissue to die in the piece of the heart supplied by the blocked artery. A heart attack is additionally called a myocardial dead tissue (MI).

Causes

Most heart attack are in a roundabout way brought on by coronary artery disease (CAD) or Atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits (plaque) build up on the walls of an artery. This contracts the arteries and limits blood stream to the muscle of the heart. A heart attack is normally activated by a tear or crack of the plaque, which prompts the development of a blood coagulation that obstructs the blood stream in the vein. Spasm of the artery can likewise add to the blockage.

Our Cardiology Doctors reveals some Risk Factors

The danger elements for showing at least a bit of heart attack are like those for creating CAD.

The side effects of a heart attack may be much more inconspicuous in women than in men. Chest pain or inconvenience is commonly the most widely recognized side effect in men and women. On the other hand, women’s may be more prone to experience a portion of the other regular indications, especially shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and back or jaw torment.

Regular indications include:

Nausea or vomiting

Serious exhaustion

Dizziness

Feelings of heartburn or indigestion in the upper abdomen

Pain that radiates into the arms (on the left side more than the right)

Pain high in the back, jaw, or neck

Heart palpitations

Profuse sweating

Shortness of breath

A fear of impending death

Diagnosis process explained by our top cardiologists in Houston

The accompanying tests may be carried out to affirm the analysis of a heart attack:

Electrocardiogram (ECG) — this test records the electrical movement of the heart. It is utilized to check whether the heart muscle was harmed and where the harm is placed.

Blood tests— these may incorporate checking levels of compounds, troponin levels, and different tests.

Myocardial perfusion scan —this output utilizes little measurements of a radioactive substance infused into the circulatory system to envision how well blood is sustaining the heart muscle.

Coronary angiogram —this is an obtrusive test where a catheter is put into the expansive supply route in the crotch and after that exceptional up the aorta and to the heart. Intravenous (IV) complexity is infused into the courses to envision blockages.

Likewise with men, heart disease is the most obvious killer for women, as well. Women represent about a large portion of the passing from heart attack. This makes it particularly essential for women to perceive the indications and get quick care.

Medicinal consideration inside the first hour after the indications begin can fundamentally diminish the measure of heart harm. An electric shock utilising a defibrillator alongside intravenous pharmaceutical may be managed if the pulse is dangerously irregular. Supplemental oxygen is generally given to increase oxygen in the blood and minimise tissue damage. We Houston cardiologist, provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluations. Trans esophageal echo test services in Houston uses sound waves to make images of the heart.

Advanced Cardiovascular Care Center Heart Clinic in Houston provides the highest standard of excellence in Cardiovascular Care while exemplifying our ideals of customized patient care. Our goal is that of achieving superior patient satisfaction in every aspect of services given. We perceive our organization as a team of cardiology doctors in Houston working towards one common goal, that of our patients’ good health and well being. To that end, we pledge our services.

Our Cardiac Care Center in Houston offers health services in a warm, comforting, relaxing atmosphere. The practice is committed to high quality patient care in an ever-changing health care environment.

Dr. Annie Varughese Cardiology Doctor in Houston attended the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia and subsequently completed her residency in Internal Medicine as well as Fellowship in Cardiovascular Diseases at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. Dr. Annie Varughese Houston Cardiologist pursued further training in Interventional Cardiology at The Texas Heart Institute/Baylor College of Medicine and now has been in private practice in the Northwest Houston and Woodlands area for the past 20 years.

The practice operates under the direction of Dr. Annie Varughese, Board-Certified one of Best Cardiologists in Houston and leading cardiology specialist providing treatment for heart attacks, angina, hypertension and all aspects of cardiology. We are well-trained staff of Heart Doctors in Houston offers a variety of comprehensive, state-of-the-art services to diagnose, treat and manage heart disease. Our Top Cardiologists in Houston improve the lives of thousands of patients every year using advanced surgical and non-surgical procedures.

Dr. Annie Varughese Heart Specialist in Houston is an avid speaker regarding issues in cardiology including that of Women & Heart Disease and holds the title of Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston.

Signs of Heart Disease :-

Most heart attacks are indirectly caused by coronary artery disease or Atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits (plaque) build up on the walls of an artery. This narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow to the muscle of the heart. A heart attack is usually triggered by a tear or rupture of the plaque, which leads to the formation of a blood clot that blocks the blood flow in the artery. Spasm of the artery can also contribute to the blockage. The symptoms of a heart attack may be far more subtle in women than in men. Chest pain or discomfort is typically the most common symptom in men and women, common symptoms include

Nausea and vomiting

Severe fatigue

Dizziness, fainting

Feelings of heartburn or indigestion in the upper abdomen

Pain that radiates into the arms (on the left side more than the right)

Pain high in the back, jaw, or neck

Heart palpitations

Profuse sweating

Shortness of breath

A fear of impending death

Nuclear Stress Test :-

Nuclear Stress Test used in medicine and cardiology to measure the heart’s ability to respond to external stress in a controlled clinical environment. The stress response is induced by exercise or drug stimulation. Nuclear stress tests compare the coronary circulation while the patient is at rest with the same patient’s circulation observed during maximum physical exertion, showing any abnormal blood flow to the heart’s muscle tissue. The results can be interpreted as a reflection on the general physical condition of the test patient. This test can be used to diagnose ischemic heart disease, and for patient prognosis after a heart attack.

Transesophageal ECHO :-

This is an alternative way to perform an echocardiogram. A specialized probe containing an ultrasound transducer at its tip is passed into the patient’s esophagus. This allows image and Doppler evaluation which can be recorded. Transesophageal echocardiograms are most often utilized when transthoracic images are suboptimal and when a more clear and precise image is needed for assessment. This test is performed in the presence of a cardiologist, registered nurse, and ultrasound technician.

Cardiac Catheterization and Stenting :-

Cardiac Catheterization and Stenting is a minimally invasive procedure to access the coronary circulation and blood filled chambers of the heart using a catheter. It is performed for both diagnostic and interventional (treatment) purposes. Cardiac catheterization is a visually interpreted test performed to recognize occlusion, stenosis, restenosis, thrombosis or aneurysmal enlargement of the coronary artery lumens; heart chamber size; heart muscle contraction performance; and some aspects of heart valve function. Important internal heart and lung blood pressures, not measurable from outside the body, can be accurately measured during the test.

PFO & ASD Closure :-

PFO & ASD Closure is a form of congenital heart defect that enables blood flow between the left and right atria via the interatrial septum. The interatrial septum is the tissue that divides the right and left atria. Without this septum, or if there is a defect in this septum, it is possible for blood to travel from the left side of the heart to the right side of the heart, or vice versa. This results in the mixing of arterial and venous blood, which may or may not be clinically significant.

Advance Lipid Test :-

Advanced lipid testing can identify additional risk factors of coronary heart disease that standard blood-cholesterol tests typically do not. Advanced Lipid Testing can diagnose early diabetes, insulin resistance if you have a tendency towards clotting or if you are genetically prone to having a heart attack. We analyze your blood test results in combination with your family history, lifestyle, medications and existing clinical factors.

EKG Echocardiogram :-

It is an important part of the initial evaluation of a patient who is suspected to have a heart related problem. Small sticky electrodes are applied to the patient’s chest, arms and legs. However, with some systems, the electrodes may be applied to the chest, shoulders and the sides of the lower chest, or hips. Wires are used to connect the patient to an EKG machine. You will be asked to remain very still while a nurse or technician records the EKG. The electrical activity created by the patient’s heart is processed by the EKG machine and then printed on a special graph paper. This is then interpreted by your physician. It takes a few minutes to apply the EKG electrodes, and one minute to make the actual recording.

Echocardiography :-

An echocardiogram is a fairly common test that allows doctors to use sound waves to see the inside of one’s heart and see how it’s beating and pumping blood. This procedure can help identify various abnormalities in the heart muscle and valves. A doctor may suggest an echocardiogram if he or she suspects problems with the valves or chambers of the heart or the heart’s ability to pump. An echocardiogram can also be used to detect congenital heart defects in unborn babies.

Echocardiogram :-

Echocardiogram is a sonogram of the heart. Also known as a cardiac ultrasound, it uses standard ultrasound techniques to image two-dimensional slices of the heart.

Stress Echo :-

The stress echo test is done with heart stimulation, either by exercise on a treadmill with the patient connected to an electrocardiogram. People who cannot use their legs may exercise with a bicycle-like crank that you can turn with your arms. The level of mechanical stress is progressively increased by adjusting the difficulty (steepness of the slope) and speed. The test administrator or attending physician examines the symptoms and blood pressure response.

Holter-Event Monitor:-

A cardiac event monitor is a device used to monitor patients with transient cardiac symptoms.

Tilt Table :-

A tilt table test, occasionally called upright tilt testing is a medical procedure often used to diagnose dysautonomia or syncope. Patients with symptoms of dizziness or lightheadedness, with or without a loss of consciousness, suspected to be associated with a drop in blood pressure. The procedure tests for causes of syncope by attempting to cause syncope by having the patient lie flat on a special table or bed while connected to ECG and blood pressure monitors. The table then creates a change in posture from lying to standing.

External Counterpulsation Therapy :-

Enhanced External counterpulsation therapy is a procedure performed on individuals with angina or heart failure or cardiomyopathy in order to diminish their symptoms ischemia, improve functional capacity and quality of life. In various studies, EECP has been shown to relieve angina, and decrease the degree of ischemia in a cardiac stress test.

Peripheral Angiography and Stenting :-

Angiography is also commonly performed to identify vessel narrowing in patients with leg claudicating or cramps, caused by reduced blood flow down the legs and to the feet; in patients with renal stenosis and can be used in the head to find and repair stroke.

Carotid Stenting :-

Carotid artery stenting is an endovascular, catheter-based procedure which unblocks narrowing of the carotid artery lumen to prevent a stroke. Carotid artery stenosis can present with no symptoms or with symptoms such as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs, strokes).

Carotid Ultrasound :-

Carotid Ultrasound is an ultrasound-based diagnostic imaging technique to reveal structural details of the carotid arteries, so as to look for blood clots, atherosclerotic plaque buildup, and other blood flow problems.

Cardiac MRI/Coronary CTA :-

Cardiac MRI/Coronary CTA – Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging is a medical imaging technology for the non-invasive assessment of the function and structure of the cardiovascular system. It is derived from and based on the same basic principles as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but with optimization for use in the cardiovascular system.

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Cardiac Catheterization is an invasive procedure that is used to evaluate the coronary arteries, heart valves, and heart muscle. The cardiologist uses a long, thin tube called a catheter that is inserted through a blood vessel in arm or leg. The catheter is threaded through the blood vessel, under X-ray, to the heart. Contrast is injected through the catheter and images are recorded as the contrast moves through the arteries, chambers and valves of the heart.

Catheterization may determine the need for further treatment to be required, such as stent or bypass surgery. Certain heart disease treatments can be done during cardiac catheterization such as balloon angioplasty or stenting.

It’s often used instead of open-heart surgery to treat congenital heart defects. We perform hundreds of cardiac catheterizations a year. Our interventional catheterization specialists perform catheterization to observe a fetus or heart structure, measure blood pressure, close holes, expand narrowed passages and open new passages. The procedure is now used in instances that once required surgery.

Reasons to perform cardiac catheterization:

Cardiac catheterization is used to find the cause of symptoms, such as chest pain, that could suggest heart problems.

Benefits of performing cardiac catheterization:

Diagnose and treat problems that may cause heart attack or stroke

Identify blockages or narrowing that could cause chest pain

Obtain information for the best treatment plan

A stent is a little, metal cross section tube that is put inside a coronary artery to keep the vein open. To place the stent, a little entry point is made in the groin area to achieve the vein there. A catheter is guided through the groin artery into an area of the coronary artery which is blocked. The stent is embedded alongside an inflatable catheter and expands when the blow up is inflated. The stent is then left there to help keep the artery open.

Our heart clinic providing best treatment for cardiac catheterization and stenting in Houston to measure internal heart and blood pressures information accurately during the test.

Advanced Cardiovascular Care Center gives extraordinary, family-focused consideration to kids and youthful grown-ups with suspected or diagnosed cardiovascular disease of all types. The establishment of our consideration concentrates on heart disease. Whether the patient needs an outpatient visit or requires hospitalization we have the offices and the specialists to give the most abnormal amount of tend to all patients in all circumstances. Our Heart Clinic in Houston is a pioneer in giving a steady group and family-focused way to deal with heart care with cardiovascular disease in any situation.

The carotid arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to the head, brain and face. They are located on each side of the neck. You can easily feel them by placing your fingers gently either side of your windpipe.

The carotid arteries supply essential oxygenated blood to the large front part of the brain. This part of the brain controls thought, speech, personality as well as our sensory (our ability to feel) and motor (our ability to move) functions.

The brain survives on a continuous supply of oxygen and glucose carried to it by blood. Carotid Artery Disease is the narrowing or blockage of these arteries (stenosis) due to plaque build-up (atherosclerosis). The plaque can then cracks, and develop an irregular surface, which is when it begins to cause problems.

If a piece of plaque or a blood clot breaks off from the wall of the carotid artery it can block the smaller arteries of the brain. When blood flow to the brain is blocked, the result can be a transient ischemic attack (TIA), which temporarily affects brain function, or a stroke, which is permanent loss of brain function. Common symptoms of TIA include brief attacks of weakness, clumsiness, numbness or pins and needles of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body.

Carotid artery disease is one of the most common causes of stroke. More than half of the strokes occur because of carotid artery disease. Carotid Artery Disease influences the vessels prompting the head and brain. Acquiring this disease is a risk factor for having a stroke.

Carotid disease for the most part doesn’t brag any side effects. However, when blood flow to a portion of the brain is limited, side effects by and large happen. If an individual is encountering cautioning indications of a stroke, there is likely a blockage in the carotid arteries.

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs) are brief scenes of cerebral pains, discombobulating, shivering, deadness, obscured vision, perplexity, or loss of motion that can last anyplace from a couple of minutes to two or three hours. It’s basic that an individual see a specialist quickly if there are any indications of a TIA.

There are a few danger risks for carotid supply route disease, these include:

Diabetes

Smoking

Obesity

Lack of activity

High blood pressure

Family history of coronary vein disease or stroke

High levels of “awful” cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood

Treatment choices for Carotid Artery Disease are subject to the reason and seriousness of the disease. For atherosclerotic plaque, the most well-known medications are:

Way of life changes: The best changes are to stop smoking, control hypertension, confine the measure of liquor you drink, and work out.

Pharmaceuticals: Certain drugs that keep the blood from thickening, for example, headache medicine or anticoagulants may be endorsed to keep a stroke.

Surgery: Having a carotid endarterectomy expels greasy plaque from arteries.

Seek counsel from our Top Cardiologists in Houston if you suspect you are suffering from Carotid Artery Disease for the best treatment options for you.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm involves a widening, stretching or ballooning of the aorta that is within the abdomen. Aneurysm will grow larger and eventually rupture if it is not diagnosed or treated. The heart pumps blood in to a large artery known as the Aorta. It descends from heart to supply blood to all the parts of the body.

Risk Factors of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Smoking

High blood pressure

High cholesterol

Male gender

Emphysema

Family history

Obesity

Symptoms of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

In most cases, an un-ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) will cause no symptoms, unless it becomes particularly large.

Symptoms of an un-ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm may include:

A pulsating feeling in your stomach (abdomen), usually near your belly button, that’s usually only noticeable when you touch it

Persistent back pain

Persistent abdominal pain

Other Symptoms Include:

Dizziness

Sweaty and clammy skin

Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)

Shortness of breath

Loss of consciousness

Diagnosing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm:

Your doctor will examine your abdomen. The exam also will include an evaluation of pulses and feeling in your legs. The doctor may find:

A mass in the abdomen

Pulsating sensation in the abdomen

Stiff or rigid abdomen

You may have an abdominal aortic aneurysm that is not causing any symptoms or problems. Your doctor may find this problem by doing a CT scan or ultrasound of the abdomen. Either of these tests may be done when you’re having symptoms.

Two Approaches of Surgery:

In a traditional (open) repair, a large cut is made in your abdomen. The abnormal vessel is replaced with a graft made of man-made material, such as Dacron.

The other approach is called endovascular stent grafting. This procedure can be done without making a large cut in your abdomen, so you may get well faster. If you have other medical problems, this may be a safer approach.

The outcome is usually good if an experienced surgeon repairs the aneurysm before it ruptures. However, less than 80% of patients survive a ruptured abdominal aneurysm.

Prevention

Eat a heart-healthy diet, exercise, stop smoking (if you smoke), and reduce stress to help lower your chances of having a blocked artery again.

Cardiology Doctor in Houston gives you medicine to help lower your cholesterol.

If you were given medicines for blood pressure or diabetes, take them as we asked you to.

People over age 65 who have smoked at any time in their life should have a screening ultrasound performed once.

There are many effective treatments for abdominal aortic aneurysms, which are based on the size of your aneurysm and how fast it’s growing.

Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm:

If you have bleeding inside your body from an aortic aneurysm, you will have open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

If the aneurysm is small and there are no symptoms, your doctor may recommend checking the size of the aneurysm with ultrasound tests every 6-12 months, to see if the aneurysm is getting bigger.

Surgery is usually recommended for patients who have aneurysms bigger than 2 inches (5.5 cm) across and aneurysms that are growing quickly. The goal is to perform surgery before complications or symptoms develop.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm, also called AAA or triple A, is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the aorta (the largest artery in the body) resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning greater than 50 percent of the vessel’s normal diameter (width).

Seek counsel from our Heart Specialist in Houston if you suspect you are suffering from Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm for the best treatment options for you.

In order to properly diagnosis an illness, an individual must undergo a series of tests. Some medical tests are simply a physical examination. Other tests require elaborate equipment used by medical technologists or the use of a sterile operating environment.
Specifically, a diagnostic test is a kind of medical test performed to aid in the diagnosis or detection of a disease.
For example, diagnostic tests can:

• Diagnose diseases
• measure the progress or recovery from disease
• confirm that a person is free from disease

In the case of cardiologists, diagnostic tests are critical in detecting and monitoring illnesses of the heart and surrounding tissues.
For example, following are a few of the more common cardiology diagnostic tests:

Diagnostic tests are a safe way to look inside the heart and determine not only the ailment, but possibly the safest and most effective treatment option. Cardiologists rely on diagnostic testing to monitor a disease and watch its progression or improvement.

If preventative measures weren’t enough to keep you from falling victim to a heart or blood vessel disorder, in best case scenarios, diagnostic testing can quite possibly catch the ailment in an early stage where treatment is non-invasive and rapid.

If you fear you may suffer from a heart disorder, see your cardiologist immediately to gain an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

logon to www.advancedcardiodr.com and know more about the dignostic tests provided by Advanced Cardiovascular Care Center.

Pulmonary stenosis is narrowing of the valve between the right ventricle or lower chamber, of the heart on its way to the lungs (pulmonary artery) or both. As pulmonary stenosis becomes more severe, the thickness of the right ventricle increases and produces right ventricular hypertrophy. Pulmonary Stenosis is a congenital (present at birth) defect that occurs due to abnormal development of the fetal heart during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy.

Supravalvar Pulmonary Stenosis: The portion of the pulmonary artery just above the pulmonary valve is narrowed.

Subvalvar (Infundibular) Pulmonary Stenosis: The muscle under the valve area is thickened, narrowing the outflow tract from the right ventricle.

Branch Peripheral Pulmonic Stenosis: The right or left pulmonary artery is narrowed, or both may be narrowed

Causes:

Physicians do not know the exact cause of pulmonary valve stenosis. The valve in the fetus may fail to develop properly during pregnancy. The disease also may have a genetic component. The condition also may accompany additional congenital heart defects. Your physician will often recommend performing additional tests to ensure your heart is healthy. Adults also can experience the condition due to a complication from an illness that affects the heart. These include rheumatic fever or carcinoid tumors in the digestive system.

Signs and Symptoms:

Pulmonary valve stenosis signs and symptoms vary, depending on the extent of the obstruction. People with mild pulmonary stenosis usually don’t have symptoms. Those with more significant stenosis often first notice symptoms while exercising. Pulmonary valve stenosis signs and symptoms may include:

Fatigue

Chest pain

Heart murmur

Shortness of breath

Loss of consciousness (fainting)

Shortness of breath, especially during exertion

Testing and Diagnosis:

In rare cases, newborns have life-threatening pulmonary stenosis, which requires immediate medical attention. Diagnosis of pulmonary stenosis may require some or all of these tests:

Chest X-ray

Cardiac MRI

Pulse oximetry

Echocardiogram

Cardiac catheterization

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Treatment:

Sometimes, treatment may not be needed if the disorder is mild. When there are also other heart defects, medicines may be used to help blood flow through the heart (prostaglandins), to help the heart beat stronger, to Prevent clots and to remove excess fluid. Prognosis without treatment is generally good and improves with appropriate intervention.

Treatment is balloon valvuloplasty, indicated for symptomatic patients and asymptomatic patients with normal systolic function and a peak gradient > 40 to 50 mm Hg. Percutaneous valve replacement may be offered at highly selected congenital heart centers, especially for younger patients or those with multiple previous procedures, in order to reduce the number of open heart procedures.

When surgical replacement is necessary, bioprosthetic valves are preferred due to the high rates of thrombosis of right-sided mechanical heart valves. This procedure is done through an artery in the groin. The doctor sends a flexible tube (catheter) with a balloon attached to the end up to the heart. Special X-rays are used to help guide the catheter. The balloon stretches the opening of the valve.

If you have pulmonary stenosis or another heart problem, prompt evaluation and treatment can help reduce risk of complications. Seek counsel from our renowned Best Cardiologists in Houston for the best treatment of Pulmonary Stenosis.